Scope of artificial intelligence in airway management

Abstract

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the field of anaesthesiology owes to notable advancements in data processing, databases, algorithmic programs, and computation power. Over the past decades, its accelerated progression has enhanced safety in anaesthesia by improving the efficiency of equipment, perioperative risk assessments, monitoring, and drug administration systems. AI in the field of anaesthesia aims to improve patient safety, optimise resources, and improve the quality of anaesthesia management in all phases of perioperative care. The use of AI is likely to impact difficult airway management and patient safety considerably. AI has been explored to predict difficult intubation to outperform conventional airway examinations by integrating subjective factors, such as facial appearance, speech features, habitus, and other poorly known features. This narrative review delves into the status of AI in airway management, the most recent developments in this field, and its future clinical applications.